Newton Files Grievance Against Texans
- Former Texans offensive tackle Derek Newton filed a grievance seeking payment of a $500K roster bonus, according Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Newton was officially released in April 12 with a failed physical designation, but his roster bonus was due April 1. The Texans held Newton on the roster past the bonus date, but he didn’t pass the physical. Therefore, Newton is seeking $200K from the team. For now, that number is held against the Texans’ cap.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/21/18
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Carolina Panthers
- Waived: G Kyle Bosch
Denver Broncos
- Re-signed: T Leon Johnson
Houston Texans
- Signed: CB Bryce Jones
- Waived/injured: CB Josh Thornton
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: LB Nick DeLuca
- Placed on injured reserve: S Don Carey
- Waived/left squad: LB Brooks Ellis
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: C Jacob Judd
- Claimed off waivers: RB Luke McNitt
New Orleans Saints
- Waived: WR Josh Huff
- Waived/injured: S Rickey Jefferson
New York Jets
- Waived: WR Jonah Trinnaman
Oakland Raiders
- Claimed off waivers: CB Antwuan Davis (Lions)
- Waived/injured: CB Tevin Mitchel
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived from injured reserve: S Terrell Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: TE Matt Weiser
- Waived/injured: TE Colin Jeter
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Jeff Knox, LB Nyles Morgan, LB Deontae Skinner
- Waived: LB Brandon Chubb, LB Davond Dade, OL Matthew Diaz
Texans Auditioned QB Christian Hackenberg
- After being released by the Raiders and before joining the Eagles, we had heard quarterback Christian Hackenberg had worked out with the Patriots. Well, it sounds like another team expressed interest in the former second-rounder, as Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that Hackenberg had worked out for the Texans. Houston’s interest in the quarterback could indicate that the team isn’t happy with the current backups to Deshaun Watson, a grouping that includes Brandon Weeden and Joe Webb.
[SOURCE LINK]
CB Kayvon Webster To Visit Three Teams
It’s been a quiet offseason for Kayvon Webster, but it sounds like the cornerback is finally lining up some suitors. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the free agent will visit with the Texans, Bills, and Lions next week.
After the Rams added some high-profile cornerbacks to their roster, the team released Webster back in April. While the 27-year-old hasn’t shown the promise that made him a third-round pick out of South Florida in 2013, he has had some productive stretches. He had one of his best NFL seasons in 2017, compiling 38 tackles, seven passes defended, and one interception in 11 games. A torn Achilles’ tendon ended his season in December, and he finished the year in the lower half of Pro Football Focus’ cornerback rankings.
Each of Webster’s three suitors could use some cornerback depth, especially the Lions. The team is currently rostering only three players at the position behind starters Darius Slay and Teez Tabor, so Webster could easily push for a roster spot. The same is true in Buffalo, where the team has only four backups in Phillip Gaines, Taron Johnson, Lafayette Pitts, and Breon Borders.
It might be a bit tougher for the free agent to earn a roster spot in Houston, as the Texans currently have eight cornerbacks on their roster. However, considering Webster’s productive 2017 season, he could logically push for a key reserve role, as he’d have to compete with the likes of Kevin Johnson, Johnson Bademosi, and Treston Decoud.
Texans Waive QB Stephen Morris
The Texans have waived quarterback Stephen Morris, according to a team announcement. The move will make room for the signing of Nick Rose. 
Morris, who turns 27 in less than two weeks, became the fourth quarterback on Houston’s roster when he was signed in May. He was hoping to make a case for being the team’s No. 3 QB, but he has lost out to backups Brandon Weeden and Joe Webb for a place behind starter Deshaun Watson.
Initially, it seemed as though Morris had a chance at making the team since Weeden’s one-year deal has just $230K in guaranteed cash while Webb’s only guarantee is his $90K signing bonus. However, it didn’t work out that way.
Morris has been with six different teams – the Jaguars, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, Seahawks, and Texans – since entering the league as a UDFA in 2014. While his jersey collection is extensive, he has yet to throw an NFL pass.
J.J. Watt A Lock For Week 1
- Texans defensive end J.J. Watt says there is “no doubt” he’ll be ready for Week 1, according to Herbie Teope of NFL.com. His return will be a huge boost to the Texans’ injury plagued defense. Over the last two seasons, Watt has appeared in just eight games.
Texans To Sign Kicker Nick Rose
After working him out earlier today, the Texans are signing kicker Nick Rose a source told Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). 
The Texans’ kicker from last season, Ka’imi Fairbairn, is currently sidelined with a minor injury, Wilson reported earlier today. It’s unclear whether Rose is just being brought in as a short-term placeholder or to potentially take over starting kicking duties.
Rose spent time with both the Redskins and Chargers last year. He was the Redskins’ kicker for eight weeks last season, converting 10 of 11 field goal tries and going 18 for 20 on extra points. After being let go by the Redskins, he was picked up by the Chargers for the final two games of the season. He went one for three on field goals during his brief stay in Los Angeles.
Rose was cut by the Chargers in April, and hasn’t garnered much interest since. He worked out for the Buccaneers last week, but that’s been it. If a team with a kicking situation as dire as the Chargers’ was willing to give up on Rose so easily that’s not a good sign, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him push Fairbairn for the starting job.
Texans Work Out Kickers Tavecchio, Rose
The Texans worked out kickers Giorgio Tavecchio and Nick Rose on Wednesday, sources tell Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Both players performed well, but Wilson hears that Tavecchio is the one who is under consideration to be signed. 
Tavecchio played for Texans special teams coach Brad Seely while they were both with the Raiders, so he would be a logical fit for the team. If signed, he’ll compete with incumbent kicker Kai’imi Fairbairn for the job.
Last year, Fairbairn connected on 20 of 25 field goal tries (80%) and 32 of 35 of extra point attempts (91.4%). Tavecchio, meanwhile, made 16 of his 21 field goal attempts (76%), including three-of-four tries from 50 yards or further.
Tavecchio recently auditioned for the Falcons, but left Atlanta without a deal. His next opportunity may come in Houston.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/14/18
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Austin Wolf
- Released: WR Rashad Ross
Denver Broncos
- Claimed: WE DeAndrew White (Texans)
- Waived/Injured: WR Philly Brown
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Tion Green
- Waived: LB William Ossai
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: OL Alan Knott
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived from injured reserve: OL Avery Young
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived from injured reserve: CB David Rivers
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/13/18
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Waived/Injured: LB Jeremy Cash
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: DT Simeyon Robinson
Denver Broncos
- Signed: S Shamarko Thomas, LB Alexander Johnson
- Released: LB Stansly Maponga
Houston Texans
- Waived: WR DeAndrew White
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: RB Ray Lawry
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: G Kaleb Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: C Oni Omoile
- Waived/Injured: OL Parker Collins
Washington Redskins
- Signed: WR Dan Williams III